OLYMPIA — In Washington, men account for nearly 80 percent of suicides, and boys make up 94 percent of youth in juvenile rehabilitation. On Friday, the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee will hear Rep. April Berg’s (D-Mill Creek) proposal to confront these realities with compassion. House Bill 2401 establishes a Washington State Boys and Men Commission focused on improving outcomes for boys and men across education, mental health, workforce pathways, and belonging.
The hearing comes at a critical moment for Washington state: a place defined by innovation and opportunity, but also increasingly by isolation, disconnection, and what many describe as the “Seattle Freeze.” As technology reshapes how people live and work, lawmakers are grappling with a quieter crisis: loneliness, particularly among boys and men, and the cascading impacts it has on families, communities, and public safety.
“Washington sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and a growing crisis of disconnection,” said Rep. April Berg. “We lead the world in innovation, but too many boys and men are struggling to find belonging, purpose, and support. This bill is about meeting that reality with compassion, data, and thoughtful public policy.”
The need is clear. In Washington state:
- Men account for nearly 80% of suicides
- Boys make up 94% of youth in juvenile rehabilitation
- Men comprise more than 70% of the unsheltered population
- Boys are graduating high school and college at lower rates than girls
- These challenges fall disproportionately on boys and men of color, rural communities, LGBTQ+ youth, and those facing economic hardship
HB 2401 would establish a nine-member Boys and Men Commission to serve as a focal point within state government, tasked with identifying gaps, coordinating across agencies, and developing evidence-based policy recommendations. The commission would work in partnership with Washington’s existing Women’s, LGBTQ+, and Ethnic Commissions, recognizing that equity and well-being are not zero-sum.
“This legislation is not about elevating one group at the expense of others,” Berg said. “It’s about refusing to abandon Washingtonians who are hurting — and recognizing that when boys and men are supported, entire communities benefit. Addressing isolation upstream helps reduce violence, improve mental health, and strengthen families.”
The commission would focus on:
- Improving mental health outcomes and reducing stigma around seeking help
- Expanding access to education, mentorship, and vocational pathways
- Addressing loneliness and social isolation
- Elevating lived experience and data to inform policy
HB 2401 is structured to be fully funded through private and philanthropic contributions, ensuring fiscal responsibility while allowing the state to pilot a focused, time-limited commission through 2029.
“Public policy has too often treated men’s suffering as inevitable or invisible,” Berg added. “But suffering is not destiny. It’s a signal. When we listen, we have the opportunity to build stronger, safer, healthier communities.”
WHAT: Public hearing on House Bill 2401
WHEN: Friday, January 23, 8 AM
WHERE: House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee, House Hearing Room E and Virtual